Making chicken salad out of chicken sh*t.

Last month, I once again journeyed to Great Sand Dunes National Park to photograph the amazing dunes. Being that the dunes roll on for almost 40 square miles, there were plenty of spots (read: almost all of them) that I hadn't been to. So, this time, I set out for the northeast corner, an area with not a single footprint to be found.

Once I finished the strenuous hike to the top, I began scouting for good compositions to use in the upcoming sunset. To my dismay, try as I might, I just couldn't find anything I liked. It was frustrating, because normally the dunes offer me something that more than tickles my fancy (like this, for example). This time, though... nothing. Welcome to the life of a landscape photographer: sometimes, that's just the way it goes. To make matters worse, the clouds were not cooperating at all and were completely absent from behind the Sangre de Cristo mountains where I wanted to make my image.

But, all was not lost! With a little help from Mother Nature, I was about to make lemonade outta lemons. (Thanks, Mom!)

As the sun started to set, I noticed in the distance that a bunch of people were hanging out at the top of High Dune, which is where 90% of those who actually make it to the top of the dunes go. Even better, a bank of clouds was billowing directly above them, and it was starting to coming alive with brilliant sunset hues. Turns out the dunes had something to offer after all.

Please be sure to view the large version, as it makes it easier to see the people atop High Dune. (Although admittedly they're still just dots -- a large print is really the best way to view this image. I posted a close up of the people below the image so that you can see the detail.)

That's all for now. Until next time, take care. And be nice to your mom! ^_^

High Atop The Dune Summit

Twilight Delight

As promised, here is some wildflower action straight from the mountains of Colorado. That's right: I'm getting right to the point this time. (Hey! Don't act so relieved.)

On day two, our campsite was in an idyllic field of wildflowers. Literally right in the middle of it! One had to be careful not to step on a flower. Just after dusk, a curious fox emerged to inspect the situation, and with him came good luck.

Later that evening, I made this image. It was a perfectly still night, very silent and beautiful. Here's to you, Mr. Fox. ^_^

Be sure to check out the LARGE VERSION of this one -- it really does it a lot more justice.

As always, thanks for reading and, until next time, take care. And don't forget to stargaze at least once before summer's over!

"Twilight Delight"

Flower Power!

Vampires would hate me right now.

After today's wildflower shoot, my veins are drier than a calculus lecture. There's not a drop of blood left -- my heart might as well take the rest of the night off.

So, where did all my blood go? Well, it didn't exactly go anywhere -- it was taken. Stolen. Snatched from my body against my will! That's right, today I was blood-raped. And all I'm guilty of is trying to make some art. Sheesh.

Of course, the perpetrator of this heinous act was none other than the Mighty Minnesota Mosquito. Him, and a few hundred of his damn friends. Yep, the Purveyors of the Prairie made quick work of me today.

Nevertheless, I came away with a decent image. And, it's a good thing, too! I leave for the wildflower country of central Colorado in a few days and the last thing I need is a bad-luck omen. Of course, some might say that getting bitch-slapped by a bunch of murderous insects is a pretty bad sign in itself. Not me, though. I got the shot, and that's all that matters.

Below is the image from today's shoot. I hope you like it -- I almost died making it, after all.

Next month, I should have some new wildflower images from Colorado. They say it's a record bloom this year, so I have high hopes. Until then, take care. And don't forget your bug spray! ^_^

"Summer On The Prairie"

Boulder Mountain Magic

As a kid growing up in the 80's, my favorite movie character was Indiana Jones. I was enthralled by the way he could think his way out of just about any situation. He was a master at improvisation, and that mastery was demonstrated over and over in the three Indy films (let us not speak of the abomination that was the fourth movie).

As a nature photographer, that same ability to adapt and improvise is crucial. Last November, when Marc Adamus and I were shooting in Utah, improvisation literally saved the day.

Late on our final day of shooting, we were trying to get to Capitol Reef National Park in time for sunset. By the time we reached Boulder Mountain, still a ways from the park, it became clear that we weren't going to make it. So, what did we do?

We improvised.

We pulled our vehicles over and had a quick discussion. After a few minutes, we reached a consensus: we would stop right where we were and make the best of what Boulder Mountain had to offer. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision.

We quickly fanned out across the area, each of us scouting on our own for good compositions. We didn't see each other for several hours. When all was said and done, we both came away with images we were happy with. Marc made this beauty, and I created the image you see below.

Improvisation and adjusting on-the-fly had turned lemons into lemonade for us. Later that night, we camped on Boulder Mountain and celebrated a successful trip with a roaring fire and our good friend Don Julio. ^_^

Tree of Triumph

Celebrating With Don

Eat your heart out, Bob Marley.

Zion.

If you listen to reggae music, then you've no doubt heard that word many times. In the world of reggae, Zion refers to a Utopian place of unity, peace and freedom. Heaven, if you will.

So, knowing that, it just seems natural that they named Zion National Park like they did. There's a reason it's one of the most visited national parks in the world: it's heaven on Earth.

I'm not going to launch into a big speech about the wonders of Zion National Park -- a few minutes with your good friend Google is all you need. Plus, it'll save you the horrors of witnessing my attempts at eloquence. Nope, I'm just going to show you my favorite image I made while there on a moonlit sunset last November. You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, it's probably worth two thousand of my words. ^_^

As always a larger version can be seen HERE in my Landscape Galleries. Until next time, take care.

"Zion Twilight"

I usually hate getting carded...

...but not this time.

Recently, three of my images (specifically: this one, this one, and this one) were selected by Sun Day Greetings for use in their greeting card line. They sent me some samples of the cards, and I must say that they're pretty nicely done. Stop by their site and check 'em out!

That's about all I have for now. I've been busy writing a photo essay about St. Croix for publication on Nature Photographers Online Magazine. When it's done, I'll be sure and post it here. Until then, take care. And send a card to someone you love! ^_^

Every dog has its day.

Bob Marley was right.

In one of his most famous songs, he crooned, "Everything's gonna be all right." And, it certainly was for me this winter here on St. Croix.

In my previous post, I talked about my goal of 1) becoming established as a landscape photographer here, and 2) making top-notch images of the island. I also talked about my then-upcoming solo show and live auction. I'm happy to report that I was successful on all fronts.

The live auction went well. I sold my large piece for more than my generous minimum and got some great exposure. The solo show went even better. I sold 50% more than my target and made lots of new contacts.

Of course, driving all of this was the images themselves.

I spent more time shooting this winter than the previous ten combined. I was out in the field shooting every single day for weeks at a time. (That's not counting time spent scouting, editing, etc.) I explored nearly every nook and cranny on the entire island -- if there was an unexplored dirt road -- any unexplored dirt road -- I went down it. I now know the island better than many people who've lived here their whole lives. And you know what? It was very rewarding! I now have a deeper connection to this place than ever, and I believe it's shown through in my work.

Speaking of my work, let's get to it, shall we?

Below are all the new images created this past December through March. Most of these were in my solo show. Please note that these weren't the only images that were in the show -- these are just the ones created this winter. You can view larger versions of all of these as well as all my other St. Croix images in my St. Croix Gallery.

Well, that about does it for now. Take care, and listen to Bob Marley whenever you can. ^_^

"Under The Seagrapes"

"Moonlit Cane Bay"

"Hidden Gem"

"The Golden Hour"

"A Window To The Past"

"Defiant Beauty"

"Caledonia Cascade"

"Immortal Monolith"

"Jewel Of The Jungle"

"Shining Sugar Mill"

"Cane Bay Explosion"